Small-leaved Linden Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,080 found this helpful

No parts of small-leaved linden are identified as toxic to humans or common domestic animals including cats, dogs, and horses.

This species carries a risk of confusion with other Tilia species that may have different, potentially harmful toxicity profiles.

No specific medical or veterinary intervention is required for routine exposure or ingestion of this non-toxic plant.

FAQ

Is Small-leaved Linden toxic to Humans?

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species. (Non-toxic)

Is Small-leaved Linden toxic to Cats?

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species. (Non-toxic)

Is Small-leaved Linden toxic to Dogs?

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species. (Non-toxic)

Is Small-leaved Linden toxic to Horses?

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species.

Cats

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species.

Horses

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms associated with exposure or ingestion of this species.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; all plant components are considered non-toxic.

Exposure RouteNo harmful exposure routes identified; ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation of plant particles are not associated with negative health effects.

Toxic CompoundsNo known toxic compounds are present in Tilia cordata

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water after ingestion if desired for comfort
• Monitor for mild digestive upset as a general precaution, though adverse effects are not expected
• No emergency response is required for confirmed exposure to this species

Contact Vet Immediately

• Veterinary consultation is not needed for confirmed exposure to small-leaved linden
• Seek veterinary care only if unusual persistent symptoms appear, which are likely unrelated to the plant

Prevention

• No specific prevention measures are required for this non-toxic species
• Confirm plant identification before use to avoid accidental exposure to potentially toxic related Tilia species

Treatment & Prognosis

• No targeted treatment is required for exposure to this plant
• Provide general supportive care for any unrelated mild symptoms if they arise

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTilia cordata Mill. (synonyms: Tilia ulmifolia Scop., Tilia parvifolia Ehrh.)

AliasesSmall-leaved lime、Little-leaf linden、Basswood、Common linden、Greenspire linden、Winter linde (German)、Tilleul à petites feuilles (French)、Tiglio selvatico (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are documented to be adversely affected by exposure to this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as the plant contains no known harmful bioactive compounds that affect humans or animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No known toxicity risk; the plant is often safely grazed as part of natural forage

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No reported adverse effects from consumption of small quantities of the plant

Birds: No known toxicity associated with ingestion of leaves, flowers, or seeds of this species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Tilia species (e.g., large-leaved linden) Tilia platyphyllos, other Tilia spp.

Other Tilia species are visually similar to Tilia cordata; the key distinguishing feature is leaf size, with small-leaved linden having notably smaller, more heart-shaped foliage than most related Tilia variants.

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Related Toxic Plants

Upland Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum

Moderate toxicity, toxic to livestock and pets due to gossypol content in seed materials

Spiny Sida

Sida spinosa

Low to moderate toxicity, causes digestive upset and neurological effects in grazing animals if consumed in large quantities

Common Mallow

Malva sylvestris

Low toxicity, may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in excessive amounts

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.